Dishwasher Distribution Header Light Guide for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic dishwashers lack effective and aesthetically pleasing illumination of the treating chamber, with single-point lighting solutions failing to evenly illuminate all areas and requiring extensive sealing to prevent moisture exposure to electronics, while multiple light solutions complicate moisture protection.
Innovation Solution
A light assembly integrated into the distribution header of the dishwasher, featuring a light source and light guide that distributes light evenly across the treating chamber, minimizing the need for extensive sealing and reducing the number of components by using a single LED to illuminate a large area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple lights are placed inside the dishwasher to illuminate all areas, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting function by separating the light source (located outside the treating chamber) from the light distribution (occurring inside through the light guide). This allows the light source to remain in a dry, accessible area while the light guide extends into the treating chamber to provide illumination without requiring the entire lighting assembly to be sealed against moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary element that transfers light from the source outside the treating chamber to the interior areas requiring illumination. This mediator allows the lighting system to achieve comprehensive coverage while keeping the electronic light source isolated from moisture, thereby reducing sealing complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single point of light is placed on a wall of the tub, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point light source on a wall to a linear light guide that extends across the distribution header. This dimensional change from a point source to a line source enables uniform illumination across multiple areas of the treating chamber while maintaining relative simplicity in the lighting assembly design.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate the treating chamber, then illumination coverage is improved, but the number of components and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into two functional parts: a single light source located outside the treating chamber and a light guide that distributes light internally. This segmentation allows comprehensive illumination coverage to be achieved with minimal components, as the light guide replaces the need for multiple separate light sources within the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the distribution header and a light distribution medium. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, as the light guide simultaneously provides structural support and illuminates multiple areas of the treating chamber.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides uniform illumination of the dish racks and spraying system components, reducing the complexity of sealing and component count, while maintaining moisture protection and enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a light assembly including a first light source and a first light guide provided on the distribution header. The first light source emits light to the first light guide and first light guide distributes light to the treating chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher for treating dishes includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system having a distribution header and at least one aperture provided on the distribution header for spraying wash liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system. A light assembly is provided on the distribution header, and includes a light source that emits light to a light guide, which in turn distributes light to the treating chamber.